“Net-Zero Energy” Homes and “Passive” House

What is a “Net-Zero Energy” home or “Passive House”? What kinds of technologies are used in these homes? How is policy driving the adoption of Net-Zero Energy buildings? Who are the primary players in the Net-Zero Energy building industry and how are these players influencing the market? Come hear from our panel of experts to learn the answers to these questions and more!

Speakers:

Suvi Sharma, President and CEO, Solaria Corporation

Suvi is an industry thought leader in solar PV innovation responsible for overseeing the growth of Solaria and leading its strategic expansion since 2003. He is a seasoned entrepreneur with 20 years of experience in company formation, fundraising, talent recruitment, business development and global operations of innovative companies in renewable energy, information technology and private equity.

Ann V. Edminster, M. Architect

Ann is an international expert on efficient, green homes, assisting both homeowners and professionals in developing leading-edge projects. A principal developer of LEED for Homes, Ann also authored Energy Free: Homes for a Small Planet, the award-winning guide to designing and building zero-energy homes. She serves on the Board of the Net Zero Energy Coalition, chaired the Coalition’s 2013 and 2015 Net Zero Leadership Summits, and directs the Coalition’s inventory and database project. She consults on zero-energy programs and initiatives throughout North America, and is a 2015 US DOE Solar Decathlon juror.

Graham Irwin, Founder and Principal, Essential Habitat

Graham has worked in the construction industry for over twenty years. He is actively involved in Passive House advocacy, promotion and education, advises government agencies on energy policy, and lectures regularly. He has a degree in physics and management from Claremont McKenna College with additional studies in engineering and architecture at Harvey Mudd College and UC Berkeley. He was one of the first Passive House Consultants certified in the US, and a founding board member of Passive House California and the Passive House Alliance, US (PHAUS). He is a USGBC LEED AP, a Build It Green Certified Green Building Professional, and a licensed architect and general contractor in the state of California.

Sven Thesen, Founder, ProjectGreenHome.org

Sven will discuss ProjectGreenHome.org, one of the nation’s first LEED Platinum, net-zero energy, Passive homes. He will focus on the design and technologies (both cutting and bleeding edge) that enable PGH to use 80% less energy than the typical California home while remaining beautiful, functional and cost-effective. Thesen has a degree Chemical Engineering, is considered quite the animated speaker, and one of the 2,200 Engineering and Scientists to win the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for climate change work.

NorCal Solar

NorCal Solar, a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organization established in 1974, is committed to consumer education about the many uses of solar energy as a roadmap for increased use of renewable energy in northern California.